Activities and Attractions of Leavenworth Washington
Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-styled village in the stunning Cascade Mountains that offers something for everyone. From a charming main street lined with alpine-styled store fronts and German-themed restaurants to lively beer gardens and tasting rooms to endless outdoor pursuits and festive annual festivals. We can’t list all the fun to be had, but we guarantee you will agree Leavenworth is sehr gemütlich!
Here are some of our favorite things to do:
Festivals
Leavenworth is always celebrating something throughout the year, so no matter when you are visiting, there will be a feeling of merriment in the air.
The signature festivals are Christmastown, Winter Karneval, Love from Leavenworth, Maifest, and Oktoberfest.
Take a Stroll Along the Waterfront Park Trail
Start the morning with an invigorating walk or bike ride around the Wenatchee River. The river is very close to downtown and is easily accessed from Commercial Street. There are several small beach inlets throughout the park, perfect for taking a dip on hot summer days.
Visit Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
Conveniently located just 1 mile outside of town, this family-owned reindeer farm offers interactive and educational tours that the whole family will enjoy. If you are visiting Leavenworth in December, a Christmas visit to the farm is truly magical. Visitors can meet and greet the beloved characters from Disney’s Frozen movie – Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and Sven, gather around a campfire, hand-feed the reindeer, and even meet Santa!
Make sure to stop by the gift shop where you can pick up an ornament or a souvenir to remember this unique and special experience. Advanced reservations are required.
Hit the Icicle Gorge Trail
Icicle Gorge Trail is a popular, 4.5-mile loop suitable for all levels. Enjoy stunning river views as you wind through the scenic Icicle Valley. Mid-way through the hike you will come to a bridge crossing over the roaring waters. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh, crisp mountain air, and snap a family picture! Leashed pups are allowed.
Uncork and Unwind
Leavenworth boasts nearly two dozen wine tasting rooms, the majority of which are downtown and within walking distance from your cozy vacation rental. We can’t list them all, but here are some of our favorite sipping spots:
- Bergdorf Cellars Tasting Room – If you are visiting Leavenworth in the fall or winter months, make sure and stop by for a taste of their delicious spiced Glühwein (which translates to “Glow Wine”).
- Plain Cellars Tasting Room
- Chateau Faire Le Pont Winery Leavenworth Tasting Room
- d’Vinery Tasting Room for Eagle Creek Winery
- WineGirl Wines Tasting Room
- Goose Ridge Wine & Cider Tasting Room
Beers and Brats
Whether you are in the mood for a lively beer garden with ice cold beer and bratwurst, or a sit-down restaurant serving upscale European-inspired cuisine, we guarantee you won’t leave Leavenworth hungry or thirsty. Here are a few spots to sample some German cuisine & raise a stein.
Winter Playground
Winter in Leavenworth is paradise, especially if you like to snow mobile, or head into the snow-covered mountains on skis or snowshoes. There are miles of trails to explore at Lake Wenatchee State Park or the Icicle River Trail. Kids of all ages can also enjoy sledding down the hills in and around town.
Hit the World-Famous Leavenworth Museums
Greater Leavenworth Museum
Leavenworth, Washington is a town that’s rich in history, and the Greater Leavenworth Museum is a must-visit spot for those who want to learn more about the area. This family-friendly museum has exhibits that cover everything from the Wenatchi tribe and agriculture to lumber and local ski history. Visitors can also explore exhibits on Leavenworth’s beloved annual festivals, making it an excellent way to understand the town’s vibrant culture.
The museum is conveniently located downtown at 735 Front Street and is open daily from 11 am to 4 pm. For those who want a deeper dive into the area’s history, Bavarian Walking Tours offers two guided walking tours that cover everything from the railroad and mill town to the downtown area of Leavenworth. Both tours start at Lions Club Park at 10:00 am and include museum admission to the Greater Leavenworth Museum.
With comfortable walking shoes and water, guests can join the tours and learn about the town’s rich history.
The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in Washington’s Bavarian Village is a must-see for anyone interested in unique and fascinating collections. With over 9000 nutcrackers on display, it is the only museum of its kind in the world, and visitors come from all over the globe to see this impressive collection.
The nutcrackers range from hand-carved wood to mass-produced metal, bone, horn, ivory, and even porcelain, and represent artistic styles from various periods and regions. From toddlers to world travelers, there is something for everyone to enjoy and discover in this museum, including antique specimens, betel cutters, German wooden toy soldier nutcrackers, and patented instruments designed to crack the pecan nut.
Visitors interested in archeology will also find a collection of nutting stones.
Hit the Shops in Downtown Leavenworth!
Front Street boasts a wonderful and unique selection of imported treasures – beer steins, cuckoo clocks, holiday ornaments, nutcrackers, and more. Browse boutiques for stylish attire and accessories. Pick up some specialty cheeses, meats, and chocolates for a picnic at the park. Follow the scent of butter and sugar wafting through the air to the beloved Gingerbread Factory for some freshly baked gingerbread and other treats!
Hit Lake Wenatchee for Fun on the Water
Visiting in the warmer months? Why not hit the lake! Lake Wenatchee is a wonderful destination for visitors to Washington, offering a wide range of fun activities and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy fishing for trout and salmon in the lake’s crystal-clear waters, or take a dip in the cool waters during the summer months.
Boating and water sports are also popular activities, with the lake providing ample opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing. Hiking and mountain biking are other popular options, with several trails available around the lake and in the surrounding Wenatchee National Forest.
Visitors can also relax and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Glacier Peak and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. With Lake Wenatchee State Park nearby, visitors have access to picnic areas, campgrounds, and a playground. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a beautiful spot to relax, Lake Wenatchee is definitely worth a visit.
Ready to Experience Leavenworth Washington for Yourself? Book a Stay with Us!
There are so many great things to do in Leavenworth! Come discover the magic and charm of Leavenworth. Meredith Lodging has a lovely collection of Leavenworth vacation rentals to suit all sizes and budgets. We can’t wait to wilkommen you!
